Gulliver’s Restaurant at Christmas or Any Time Of The Year! Irvine, California

GULLIVER’S RESTAURANT AT CHRISTMAS OR ANY TIME OF THE YEAR! Irvine, California

We were graciously greeted by Oded Mazor, the owner of Gulliver’s and were made to feel right at home as he does all of his customers. My first suggestion, if you’re going to order their world famous ‘prime rib’, would be to compliment it with a bottle of Alexander Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon. It isn’t hard to find a restaurant serving prime rib and steak in Orange County, but how many can seat you at John Wayne’s favorite table? The charismatic screen legend was a frequent guest at Gulliver’s and it’s easy to see why. The portions are huge, the service is friendly, and most importantly, the beef is cooked to perfection.

Come to Gulliver’s and travel back in time to 18th century England. Escape from the stresses of the 21st century and enjoy a dining experience you’ll long remember.  Your English dining experience at Gulliver’s includes an experienced, gracious staff, a hearty meal and comfortable environment. Guests are surrounded by a veritable museum of leaded glass pieces, pewter and ceramic objects, and a collection of prints from Hogarth, Rowlandson and other Gulliver’s Travels illustrators.

Then we asked Oded about the wonderful christmas decorations throughout the restaurant and bar area. He said their bartender, Dennis who has been with the restaurant for over 30 years, literally transforms the restaurant into a traditional ‘christmas village’ every year. Dennis has a real dedication and love for this restaurant, which is evident as he adorns Gulliver’s with the most fabulous authentic Christmas decor; including Old-fashioned Santa Clauses, extra large wreaths with beautiful red bows, Christmas villages under the tree. Per Dennis, it takes him almost 80 hours to perfect this amazing beauty which can not be found in any other restaurant in Orange County! This is a must see.

The menu offers something for every taste, and lovers of Prime Rib will savor the choice cuts. Hand-selected beef (corn-belt) is slow roasted in a unique patented oven system to assure flavorful, tender and juicy Prime Rib dinners.  Three different cuts are offered:  Brobdingnagian, the biggest, best and bone in; Gulliver’s Prime Cut; and the thinly sliced Traditional English Cut. Other specialties include in-house aged Prime Steaks, Châteaubriand,  Salmon, Rack of Lamb, Baby Back Ribs and roasted Long Island Duck. Dinner accompaniments include hearty cream soups, freshly prepared salads, spinach souffle, Yorkshire pudding and Gulliver’s legendary creamed corn. I sampled the ‘prime rib’ which melted in my mouth. I was having a “heavenly dining moment”. ” It was done to perfection, and their horseradish sauce was perfect in every way.”

Lunch time regulars enjoy favorites like Shrimp and Crab Louie salad, Ahi Tuna salad and warm New York steak salad. The lunch menu also offers Fish and Chips, a variety of sandwiches, lunch cuts of Prime Rib and the Catch of the Day.  Daily lunch specials range from Roast Loin of Pork to Short Ribs and old fashioned Pot Roast. Whether you dine at Gulliver’s for lunch or dinner, be sure to leave room for one of the mouthwateringdesserts, freshly prepared in-house. The authentic English trifle is almost too beautiful to eat, filled with Devonshire cream, raspberries, layers of sponge cake, a sprinkle of rum and topped with whipped cream, strawberries and sherry. Equally tempting, the Baked Alaska, Bananas Foster, Raspberry Crème Brûlée and Chocolate Fantasy Cake will linger in your memory long after the last bite.

Gulliver’s lively Pub has long been a popular meeting place. Elbow up to the solid oak copper top bar for an ale on tap, or gather with friends on the new patio for appetizers and cocktails. Selections range from a Shrimp Martini Cocktail to Dungeness Crab Cakes and a Carpaccio Duet of Smoked Salmon, Tenderloin Beef and Capers served with horseradish and parmesan.

A wonderful place to dine for lunch and dinner. Please visit their website at www.gulliversrestaurant.com.